As healthcare professionals, no-one understands better that the one thing we can all be certain of, in both our personal and professional lives, is that something unexpected will happen… at some point.

The worst case scenario doesn’t bear thinking about… except that it does, if we want to ensure the financial security of our family.

It can help if you can choose someone you trust to have the legal authority to act on your behalf, if necessary.

This is called granting ‘Power of Attorney’, although the person you choose needs no legal qualifications.

You (the ‘donor’) can actually appoint more than one ‘attorney’ to help you make decisions, or to make decisions on your behalf.

You can give them authority to act on your behalf with immediate effect, but need not sign over all responsibility at once. Instead, you can grant authority for them to act only in the event of a certain situation, for example after an accident where you lose the ability to make your own decisions. (This is known as ‘legal capacity’.)

These nominated attorneys can then act for you, if necessary, in either or both of two ‘jurisdictions’, (which you specify in advance)

* Your health and welfare
* Your property and financial affairs

Note that if the person you have in mind is bankrupt, or subject to a Debt Relief Order, they won’t be able to act for you in property and financial affairs.

If you choose more than one person to appoint, you can also decide if they’ll be able to act ‘jointly and severally’, which means each can make a decision on their own. The alternative is to appoint them ‘jointly’, which means before any instruction can be acted upon by a doctor or a bank etc, all must sign their agreement to the decision or instruction.

You can even choose to let them make some decisions ‘jointly’ and others ‘jointly and severally’, so it’s very flexible.

A Power of Attorney has to be over 18, but can otherwise be your friend, a professional advisor, or a family member of your choice – but you must have the ‘legal capacity’ to authorise a Lasting Power of Attorney – so it is something to think about before you actually come to need it.

It’s all part of being prepared and having the peace of mind that comes from knowing, if circumstances require, that those acting for you, your family and your loved ones are the very people you trust most to follow your own wishes.

"I have known David Henderson for seven years and during that time, he has had full control of my financial investment portfolio through retirement and the consequences of adjustment to widowhood. I have never had any cause to doubt his skilled advice and commitment. This has been delivered through a friendly and totally reliable relationship. I have regarded him as a trustworthy friend and in terms of the financial manoeuvres, his practical adjustments have (thus far in a volatile world!) all been safe and successful. He has been helpfully reassuring at times based on an extensive knowledge of theway the markets and global economy works I find this very educational. I have recommended his services to several friends all of whom have commented most favourably after his input totheir finances."

Dr Ken Morley

"Medical + Dental Financial Planning Services have advised us for several years and we are delighted with their expertise and guidance. David Henderson and his team have offered invaluable, intelligent and astute recommendations of our investments, particularly in the difficult world of retirement, and we anticipate that this personal relationship continues in a long and fruitful association over the coming years."

Professor Stephen and Dr. Alexandra Greene, London

"May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you and the rest of the staff at Medical Dental FPS for the assistance you have provided me with various financial services over the years. I don't mind saying that I struggle with the processes requierd to renew mortgages, keep savings, investments and insurnace policies up to date, with your help I believe my family and I are well served. We are also grateful for the assitance you provided when we were building our house, I now know from others experiences that this is not always as straightforward as it seemed to me!"

Dr Russell Duncan

"We have known David for many years. During that time he has consistently provided us with independent financial advise that is tailored to meet our needs. From our very first meeting we felt at ease, he listened and understood our financial requirements. He manages to explain all the aspects of our financial planning in clear and concise terms, making us feel confident in each decision making process.

For both long term financial planning to shorter more immediate needs such as remortgaging he has always provided excellent, well thought through guidance. Thanks to David we now have a robust financial plan to take us into retirement. MedicalDental Financial Planners provide a fantastic service and we have recommended them to several of our colleagues, family and friends. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for financial planning advice."

We have the benefit of many years spent advising doctors and dentists and guiding them through financial planning for protecting the family, savings and investing for the future, retirement, and the complex tax issues that can arise.

We bring a wealth of experience in delivering impartial specialist advice. We can help you formulate a financial plan that is based on a clear understanding of your needs – today, and in the future – to manage and protect your wealth.

There are many different ‘tools’ that help you save for retirement, and the taxation and investment elements of each can appear baffling. We explain, recommend and monitor pension products for you, putting you in control of the choices that will achieve your goals.

Our mission is to use our knowledge and skills to provide unbiased financial advice, so that you can face the future with increased confidence regarding your financial position today, and the financial security of your family in future.

Every investment carries some element of risk, which is why we reflect risk management in the financial planning we provide for clients. We work with you so that you are financially well organised, aware of your current and likely future financial position, and therefore remain in control of the choices you make.

Buying a property can be stressful and time consuming at the best of times, and for some borrowers finding and selecting the most suitable mortgage for them can be a contributory factor. Working with us means that you’ll benefit from informed advice from the outset, backed by up-to-date financial intelligence, and years of practical experience.